If you’re craving a no-fuss yet wildly flavorful weeknight meal, One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is about to become your new kitchen favorite. This dish brings together perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets, lemon-sparked creamy orzo, and a pop of baby spinach, all finished in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s hearty and elegant, bright yet comforting, and comes together in about half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this one-pot wonder puts a fresh spin on salmon night that you’ll want to revisit again and again.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo is how everyday ingredients create such a vibrant, restaurant-worthy dish. Each one plays a crucial role: color from the paprika, creaminess from Parmesan, briny warmth from the salmon, and zippy freshness courtesy of the lemon. Here’s what you’ll need and why.

Salmon Fillets: Choose skinless for quick, even cooking and easy serving—wild-caught if you can!
Salt (divided): Brings out the natural sweetness of the fish and brightens every bite of orzo.
Coarsely Ground Black Pepper (divided): Gives a little bite and rounds out the flavors.
Sweet Paprika: Adds warm color and a subtle smokiness that makes the salmon irresistible.
Garlic Powder: An easy hack for deepening the savory base on your salmon.
Olive Oil: Helps the fillets caramelize while keeping the orzo glossy.
Unsalted Butter: Adds that lovely, rich finish to both salmon and orzo.
Yellow Onion (finely chopped): Sweet and mellow once sautéed, giving the orzo a savory undertone.
Garlic Cloves (minced): A fragrant backbone, infusing every bite with aromatic flavor.
Dry Orzo Pasta: Simmered until creamy, this rice-shaped pasta soaks up every bit of flavor.
Dried Thyme: Earthy, floral notes that anchor the lemony brightness.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: The secret to rich, full-bodied orzo without overwhelming salt.
Baby Spinach: Wilts into the dish, offering color, freshness, and a healthy boost.
Lemon Juice: The star of the show—adds zing that wakes up the whole dish.
Grated Parmesan: Binds and enriches the orzo, bringing luscious creaminess and nutty flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (for serving): Enhances the final flavors right at the table.
Chili Flakes (for serving): For just the right amount of finishing heat—totally optional.

How to Make One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by getting all your ingredients ready so the cooking process flows seamlessly. Grate the Parmesan, finely chop the yellow onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this is key for a good sear! Season both sides of each fillet with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and half of the salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Once melted and shimmering, gently lay in the salmon fillets. Sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Carefully remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate; they’ll return to the pan in a bit.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the chopped onions and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes—just until soft and temptingly fragrant. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and your remaining salt and pepper, stirring to wake up those earthy herbs.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo straight into the skillet. Stir and toast for about a minute. This quick step deepens the pasta’s flavor and helps it cook up extra creamy later. Your kitchen will already smell amazing!

Step 5: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Let the orzo cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. By the end, the orzo should be nearly al dente and most of the liquid mostly absorbed.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach and Add Lemon

Fold in the baby spinach and watch it wilt down, which should take about 2 minutes. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan, letting the cheese melt into the orzo. If the mixture seems thick, add an extra splash of broth. Taste and adjust salt, if needed.

Step 7: Finish the Salmon

Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning some of the orzo over each. Simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the salmon is heated through and everything mingles beautifully.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Sprinkle generously with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes if you love a little kick. Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo right away for the freshest taste and creamiest texture!

How to Serve One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo

Garnishes

To highlight the flavors, finish your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo with extra lemon zest or a smattering of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill. A dusting of parmesan and a twist of black pepper right before serving adds that irresistible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Although this dish is wonderfully complete on its own, a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables on the side heighten the freshness factor. Try tangy tomatoes or garlicky green beans for a simple, vibrant pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party spin on One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, present it family-style in the skillet at the table—that golden crusted salmon atop a pillow of creamy orzo looks stunning. Or plate each fillet individually over a bed of orzo, scattering microgreens for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any remaining One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the salmon and orzo as intact as possible for best texture when reheating.

Freezing

While the salmon itself freezes nicely, the orzo may lose some creaminess after thawing. If you want to freeze, store portions in freezer-safe containers and reheat gently—with an added splash of broth to revive the sauce—within a month.

Reheating

Rewarm your One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen things up. Cover to preserve moisture, and heat just until warmed through to prevent the salmon from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use another type of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! Firm white fish like cod or halibut work well. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly, but the one skillet technique is flexible.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute olive oil for the butter and use your favorite plant-based Parmesan alternative, or simply omit the cheese for a lighter version of One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo.

What kind of orzo should I buy?

Look for classic dry orzo pasta on the shelf—it cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors. Whole wheat orzo also works if you prefer a nuttier bite.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Definitely! Just use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to ensure plenty of space for extra orzo and salmon. The cook times may extend a bit, but the method remains the same.

Do I need to remove the salmon skin?

For One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo, skinless fillets are best—they sear evenly and absorb the flavors better. If your fillets have skin, simply remove it before starting.

Final Thoughts

Give One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo a spot on your dinner rotation and see just how easy, flavorful, and downright joyful one-pan cooking can be. Every bite offers a zesty burst of citrus, creamy comfort, and perfectly cooked salmon—what’s not to love? Gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and savor the cozy elegance of this dish tonight!

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and easy-to-make recipe for One Skillet Salmon with Lemon Orzo. This dish features succulent seared salmon fillets served atop a bed of flavorful lemon-infused orzo pasta, finished with a touch of Parmesan and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Instructions

Prepping: Get your prep done before you start cooking: Grate the Parmesan cheese, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, sweet paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Searing: Heat oil and butter over medium-high in a large nonstick pan or skillet. Add salmon fillets and sear, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sautéing: Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and onion. Cook until soft and fragrant for about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme and the remaining salt and pepper. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute.
Cooking: Pour in broth and bring to a boil. To maintain a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking until almost al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.
Simmering: Add spinach, stir and simmer until wilted for about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Add more broth if needed. Taste and adjust salt.
Finishing: Return salmon to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
Serving: Top with freshly ground black pepper and chili flakes. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American